BC Hotel Association not mandating staff, guests be vaccinated

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Unless they have a policy, you don’t need to have both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to stay at a B.C. hotel over the coming months, according to the industry’s association.

The BC Hotel Association is working with the province and other stakeholders to help develop a “best practices” plan that will outline how to deal with the vaccine passport amid the fourth wave.

Association President Ingrid Jarrett has worked with hotels across the province and seen overwhelming support for the proof of vaccination card.

“It provides travelers, business travelers, and guests a confidence that when they’re staying in a hotel, it’s a safe place to come,” Jarrett says, adding the hope is everyone, including staff and guests, get both doses. “We don’t have any examples or best practices for companies that are mandating that for their employees, and over the next few weeks will be paying attention to that.”

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While the association tries to get its message out, it says it doesn’t have the authority to force staff to get vaccinated.

“I do think that the approach with the tool-kit and the communication will be very helpful, so if you’re making a reservation at a hotel that is mandating vaccination, that information would be on their website, with their vaccination team, with their pre-arrival email, and also on arrival,” she says.

Guests may not need to prove they’re double vaccinated in hotels, but they may to enjoy some of the amenities.

“Within a hotel we have restaurants, spas, pubs, nightclubs, pools and if those areas are open to the public and not just for hotel guest use, then in fact the proof of vaccination does apply to them,” she says.

Attention BC accommodators: curious how the BC vaccine passport will impact your business? We have answers in today's Industry Update. Learn more at the following link: https://t.co/AcmyfGdPP0 pic.twitter.com/WC4Mkf4oVa

— BC Hotel Association (@bchotelassoc) September 8, 2021

Jarret admits there has also been concern around enforcement when rules and mandates like this change “…and making sure our front-line employees weren’t in a position where they were seen as the enforcer.”

She doesn’t suspect hotels will have to foot the bill of paying for extra security if it’s needed, but isn’t sure because she’s not aware of any companies that are mandating vaccines right now. However, Jarrett says they’ll be monitoring that.

Meantime, the association is encouraging the public to get vaccinated. As of Sept. 13, people will need at least one dose to access many non-essential services, and as of Sept. 27, the vaccine passport will be the only acceptable proof of double vaccination in B.C.